To enhance the look of teeth, thin tooth-colored shells known as dental veneers are bonded to the front surface. They are effective in addressing cosmetic issues such as chipped, cracked, stained, or undersized teeth. In this blog, we'll cover the following topics:
What are the different types of veneers?
What are the pros and cons for porcelain versus composite veneers?
How much do porcelain veneers and composite veneers cost?
What are the different types of veneers?
There are two different types of veneers: Porcelain Veneers and Composite Veneers. Porcelain veneers are probably what you're most familiar with and imagine when you think of veneers and celebrity smiles. Porcelain veneers are made from a high-quality ceramic material. They're strong, not prone to staining, and look incredibly natural, providing the clarity and transparency that your natural teeth possess. Typically, patients can expect their porcelain veneers to last 10-20+ years with proper care.
Teeth usually need to be ground or "prepped" for porcelain veneers. Prepping typically involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the teeth. This is done for the following reasons:
Better Fit and Appearance: By reshaping the teeth slightly, veneers can fit more naturally, preventing them from looking bulky or "sticking out." This helps create a smooth, seamless smile that blends in with your natural teeth.
Strong Bond: Removing a thin layer of enamel provides a better surface for the veneer to bond to, which helps the veneers stay firmly attached and resist wear over time. Without prepping, the bond may be weaker, increasing the risk of the veneers loosening or falling off.
Improved Comfort: With minimal tooth preparation, veneers can feel more comfortable in the mouth, giving a natural bite and feel when chewing or talking.
Avoiding an Artificial Look: Prepped teeth allow veneers to match the surrounding teeth in thickness, shape, and color, making the smile look more authentic.
Sometimes, it is possible to get no-prep porcelain veneers, but it's highly contingent on a variety of factors, including your bite, tooth size, tooth structure, the spacing between your teeth, and more. While having your teeth "prepped" can be a little nerve-wrecking, the reality is that a skilled dentist will always do as minimum preparation as possible to maintain tooth integrity. The cost for porcelain veneers ranges between $925 and $2,500 per tooth, according to the American Dental Association.
Composite Veneers are often touted as the less invasive, more cost-effective option, but the reality is that preparation is often still required. Additionally, composite veneers are made out of a resin material that is a mix of plastic and finely ground glass, which makes them look less natural, and makes them more prone to chipping and staining. Overall, they are less durable, only lasting about 5-7 years on average. People with composite veneers need to avoid drinking wine, coffee, and tea to prevent staining, and avoid hard, crunchy foods. Overall, it's an inferior option, and isn't cost-effective in the long run. While it is cheaper in the short term, costing between $400 to $2,000 per tooth, the need for more frequent repairs and replacement makes it more expensive in the long term.
Image courtesy of Yvonne Woon, DDS
On a side note - we all call them porcelain veneers, but in reality the best material for veneers is EMax - this is proprietary material only made by Ivoclar, and what we use at our office.
Still have questions, or looking to schedule your consultation? Don't hesitate to reach out! RR Smiles is the premier Cosmetic Dentistry in San Diego, specializing in veneers, dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, and dental emergencies. Call us at 619-380-2828 or fill out our contact form, we'll be happy to help!
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